Bringing Early American Style to the University Area

BONNIE WARREN

CHERYL GERBER

Located in the University Area of New Orleans, the circa 1920s Federal-style home of Timothy “Tim” Fields is a study in simplicity. “I have always admired all things in the Federal style, from architecture to furnishings,” Fields says. “The architecture is associated with the early American Republic, and I like it because it’s balanced, symmetrical and simple, while I enjoy Federal-style furniture that I consider elegant, classic and timeless.”

Enter the iron-fenced front garden through the vine-covered gate, and view the tree-shaded two-story home on a corner lot. It is definitely classic Federal-style architecture. “I liked everything about the house when I first saw it in 2006,” continues Fields, an attorney with his own law firm. “I especially noted that it had large living and dining rooms, since I enjoy entertaining.”

Now filled with fine Federal-style furniture, the main formal rooms are much in keeping with what Fields learned to love growing up in Virginia. “My grandmother, Nannie B. Patrick, loved Federal antiques and I always wanted a house with formal rooms furnished elegantly just like hers. Fortunately, I inherited many of her fine antiques that now fit perfectly in my home.”

For guidance, Fields brought in Chet Pourciau, a well-known designer. “I needed Chet’s talent to help me make the formal, yet comfortable, home I envisioned,” he says. “While I wanted the living and dining room to be formal, I also wanted my new kitchen, den and outdoor entertaining area to be modern with lots of style.”

Pourciau gave Fields everything he asked for and more. “In the living room and dining room, I showcased his fine antiques, art and accessories, while I designed a dramatically handsome new den and kitchen across the rear of the house,” Pourciau explains. “Then I addressed Tim’s desire for the perfect outdoor entertaining location by adding a large deck and an adjoining courtyard with a formal fountain.

“It’s the perfect house for entertaining,” Fields explains. “I have had seated brunches for 24, birthday parties for 50 and indoor-outdoor celebrations for 100. This house has everything I want, and I never tire of enjoying the modern kitchen, den and outdoor entertaining area.”